ILN-terviews: Henning von Lillienskjold, DAHL Law Firm

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network. 

For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Henning von Lillienskjold of DAHL Law Firm in Denmark.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
Dahl is a full service, business law firm with specialists in all areas of business law.

Who would be your typical client?
Mid-sized and large companies from Denmark and northern Europe.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
That I am commercial in my approach to giving advice and deliver on time.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
My most challenging case was a large transaction involving 140 entities and where the buyer backed off on the day of signing.

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
Every time a deal is closed and my advice has added value to the client - other than just drafting documents.

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
I like skiing and sailing (I have competed in many of the major sailboat classes) and otherwise, I relax in my summer cottage with my family.

What would surprise people most about you?
Probably that I can play the trumpet or that I know how to repair a car engine.

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
My most memorable ILN experience is my first meeting in N.Y. and the dinner we had at Ellis Island.

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
I think it would have been some kind of engineering.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
Jim Carrey :) 

How would you like to be remembered?
Honest and trustworthy.

ILN-terviews: Michael Samuel, Miller Samuel LLP

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.

For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Michael Samuel of Miller Samuel LLP in Scotland.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
A bespoke niche practice offering quality and specific services to clients at competitive rates.

Who would be your typical client?
Not easy to categorise, but we like to act for successful business entrepreneurs, medium to high net worth individuals, and for quoted and unquoted companies.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
We would like clients, potential and otherwise, to know that we care primarily about their needs and requirements, and that this is a fundamental part of our philosophy.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
I deal with private clients. My most challenging case some years ago was when I was able to achieve a result favourable to my clients, in a question of succession to an Estate, contrary to the opinion of the foremost legal authority. Simply put, he said, "you can't do it!" Well, we did it!!!!!

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
I was appointed Dean of our local Faculty for three years in 2005 - the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow (its proper Title). It has 2,000 members. What was important is you can't apply for the job - you are asked by your peers. I looked upon this as kind of a legal Oscar.

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
I read as much as I can, play tennis as much as the weather permits, watch soccer, and of course, there are many family commitments.

What would surprise people most about you?
I am as old as I am.

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
I have wonderful memories, but hosting the European Meeting some years ago at Loch Lomond has to be the best of these. The stunned faces of the delegates and companions that cold grey misty Friday night at Stirling Castle when the pipers and dancers emerged from the swirling mist to put on their display was unforgettable.

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
I think my father earmarked me as a lawyer from birth.  He was a dentist. I qualified at 21, so there wasn't much time to think about anything else. I've not really come across another career in that time which I think I might have preferred.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
Billy Connolly (joking perhaps, but at least he has a sense of humour).

How would you like to be remembered?
Not for a long time!!!!!

ILN-terviews: Tore Hjelseth, Hjelseth, Kilstad & Borgen DA

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.
For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Tore Hjelseth of Hjelseth, Kilstad & Borgen DA in Norway.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
Our law firm, Advokatfirmaet Hjelseth, Kilstad & Borgen DA ("HKB") is a small firm having its specialisation in corporate law, particularly Mergers & Acquisitions (including cross-border transactions), stock exchange/securities law, tax, and general contract law.

Who would be your typical client?
Our typical client is a Norwegian mid-sized corporation acting in Norway and internationally, being owned either directly or ultimately by a larger foreign company and thus forms part in an international group. Our work will consist both of counselling for the Norwegian entity and for the owner (or ultimate parent), then relating to doing business in Norway through the Norwegian subsidiary.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
That we, as a small and expedient law firm, are known for providing efficient services with top quality, that the internal communication within HKB leads to quick deliveries not involving a number of lawyers pulverizing the responsibility to respond or enhancing of the legal fees.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
Dealing with all legal aspects on behalf of a listed restructured company with an overseas management, carrying with it complicated inherited pre-restructuring issues, particularly related to erroneous accounts (in need of restating) dubious actions taken by the previous board of directors, hidden control mechanisms, loss making contracts and possible disloyalty.  The challenges in respect of clarifying historical facts from a regime under a management no longer in place, were numerous.

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
Every time I can call a client late a night (when the client has gone to bed "knowing" that the deal was off), and say the following "we have solved it - they agreed."

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
Tennis, long cooking sessions accompanied with great wine, skiing/playing monopoly with my daughters, Wilma (8) and Andrea (6) in the mountains of "Norefjell" where I have a cottage.

What would surprise people most about you?
That I am an Ayn Rand libertarian, and the compatibility I feel this has with philanthropy and social consciousness (yes, actually!).

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
I will never forget the first visit with ILN in San Francisco and the exceptionally friendly way in which we were met, and the positive energy this created.

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
Teacher - love to teach and the feeling of hitting the right string with pupils/students/audiences.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
James Dean (alive!)

How would you like to be remembered?
Fair, friendly, helpful and with integrity to take on the burden to go against the majority and political correctness.

ILN-terviews: Ricardo Cordero, Cordero & Cordero Abogados

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.

For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Ricardo Cordero of Cordero & Cordero Abogados in Costa Rica.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
Our law firm is a general practice law firm specializing in corporate and business law.

Who would be your typical client?
International corporate clients and individuals doing business or investing in Costa Rica who require general assessment in areas such as corporate law, financial law, and insurance law, as well as real estate and development law.  In addition, our firm also deals with issues related to civil litigation, labor and immigration law, competition and regulation, intellectual property, and telecom law.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
That our law firm has the sufficient experience and we are professionals with strong legal backgrounds and a set of standards that will help them to achieve their goals in Costa Rica, whether for a particular investment, transaction, or a long-term business.  In addition, we work closely with all of our clients in order to make sure there is a sense of teamwork and co-participation.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
Our most challenging cases have been a couple of international project finance facility projects that we have worked on during the past year.  Due to the economic crisis, both lenders and borrowers are more cautious and the sources of funding have been very limited.  Thus, we have had to go the extra mile and use a lot of legal creativity, long work hours, and careful strategy to be able to secure such transactions.

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
I think I am living my proudest moment as a lawyer. Together with my firm's partners, we have managed to continue the expansion of our firm's practices, international clientele and exposure as one of the most renowned law firms in Costa Rica. I have also been able to achieve my personal goals as a professional and as co-managing partner of the firm.

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
During my spare time, I try to have a balance between my family, traveling and playing golf.

What would surprise people most about you?
My age.

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
Since we recently joined the ILN, I would have to say that the most memorable ILN experience has been the Annual ILN Meeting held in San Francisco this past June. On a personal level, I was surprised by the good environment, which seems to be the common denominator for all ILN meetings.  We were greeted very kindly by existing members. On a professional level, I was very impressed by the professionalism and reputation held by all ILN members.

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer. However, if I had to choose another career, I probably would have chosen Business Administration/Entrepreneurship.  I have always enjoyed the business side associated with the practice of law.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
Tom Hanks. I think he is a great actor who has always chosen the parts he plays very well.  In addition, he seems to be a down to earth, personable guy who lives his life working hard and close to his family.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as someone who enjoyed life, his family and work; as someone who always tried to do things the right way in the pursuit of excellence. I would like to be remembered as someone affable, who passed on good moral values and the sense of hard work to my next generations.

ILN-terviews: Sebastian Laboga, Kübler GbR

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.

For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Sebastian Laboga of Kübler GbR in Germany.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
With more than 230 employees and 27 locations, KÜBLER is one of the leading German law firms concerning insolvency and reorganization law.

Who would be your typical client?
Our typical clients are companies of all sizes or private individuals that are either insolvent, afraid of becoming insolvent or have business with any of these groups.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
That we are one of the largest and most effectively organized law firms in Germany dealing with financial crises, restructuring and insolvency. We have the staff and know-how to literally run even very large companies in times of trouble or insolvency. In addition we are very hands on – good at producing words and paper of course, but even better at actually providing help and taking action.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
Running a mine sweeping company as insolvency administrator. Etiquette was very military and the management scheduled their meetings at 6 o clock in the morning. Attending on time was a true challenge.

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
I guess helping companies to a successful restart after a crisis or insolvency makes me a little proud every time. My proudest moment though was definitely managing to attend the mine-sweepers’ meetings at 6 o’ clock a.m. AND understanding what they were talking about!

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
I have five kids – what do you think?

What would surprise people most about you?
My broad knowledge regarding movies and TV shows.

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
Standing in Rome on the top of the Castel St` Angelo, looking at the illuminated Vatican by night with a glass of Champagne in my hand.

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
 I would almost have ended up as a Tax Adviser. But I am very happy that I didn’t.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
Jeff Bridges, aka “the Dude.”

How would you like to be remembered?
Too early to think about it, really – the Dude still abides, doesn’t he. But people shouldn’t think they could get away with peeing on my rug easily…

ILN-terviews: John Verrall, Verralls Barristers and Solicitors

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.

For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, John Verrall of Verralls Barristers and Solicitors in Gibraltar.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
I would describe my practice as progressive, motivated, contemporary and inspired.

Who would be your typical client?
Typical client - probably either a young married couple purchasing a property or a commercial client.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
That I am the fresh face of a new generation of talented lawyers who are responsive to client's needs and committed to the timely delivery of the highest standards of legal work based on ethical principles.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
My most challenging case involved a widow and a trust fund left by her husband.  It was challenging because of the legal principles and issues it threw up, mixed with the vulnerability of her position as a mere potential beneficiary under the trust along with other beneficiaries from the husband's first marriage.

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
Opening my own law firm 10 years ago.

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
Sail, snow ski, gardening, gym, read, travel and dine out with friends.

What would surprise people most about you?
Not sure. You'd probably have to ask them!

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
Meeting the members. I particularly enjoyed the ILN conference in Prague.

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
Something to do with geography and environment.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
George Clooney!

How would you like to be remembered?
As a fun, relaxed and easygoing, but caring person, who prided himself on the quality of his work and his problem-solving skills.

ILN-terviews: Lorna Patajo-Kapunan, Kapunan Lotilla Garcia & Castillo Law Offices

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.

For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Lorna Patajo-Kapunan of Kapunan Lotilla Garcia & Castillo Law Offices in Manila, the Philippines.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
Our firm is a medium-sized law firm with 17 lawyers and support staff totaling 20, all committed to our vision of "quality legal service with competence, integrity and courage."

Who would be your typical client?
Our typical client would be the good guys -- good corporate citizens who aspire for a level playing field, aggrieved individuals who still have faith in the justice system.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
I want my clients/potential clients to know that I eat my enemies for breakfast, that I will fight even against overwhelming odds, that I can and do walk the extra mile.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
As an advocate for women's rights, my most challenging and high profile case was defending a male against a female for allegedly taping a sex video of the sex act and purportedly distributing it to the public. My legal position (to the horror of the women NGOs) was that the male was the victim.

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
My proudest moment as a lawyer was when our firm was judged by the Bishop/Businessmen's Council of the Philippines as the only law firm in the country deserving of the ISQ (Institutional Spirituality Quotient) award - this is equivalent to a "good housekeeping seal" at the workplace.

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
I have many "hats" -- dedicated father/mother (I was widowed 9 years ago) to my 5 boys, 2 grandsons, 9 dogs; volunteer Trustee on the Boards of several foundations/socio/civic groups, such as the Philippine National Red Cross, World Wildlife Fund, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Rotary International, Zonta Foundation, UNIFEM, National Heritage Society; devoted daughter to my father (94-year-old retired justice of the Supreme Court) and mother (87-year-old retired dean of one of the biggest nursing schools in the country); confessed shopaholic -- my "cure-all" remedy for my stress is shopping.

What would surprise people most about you?
People are surprised that I can be a softie -- that despite the Dracula fangs, I have a heart that beats/bleeds.

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
My most memorable ILN experience was when our former Firm hosted the ILN Regional Conference in Cebu in a distant past.  It gave us the opportunity to showcase the typical Filipino hospitality.  Looking forward to hosting another soon.

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
If I weren't a lawyer, I'd like to be a CNN/BBC Anchorperson -- reporting news when and where it happens, or a professional tennis player, earning some 6-7 digit figures while having FUN.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
My favorite movie is Casablanca -- but I identified more with Humphrey Bogart rather than Ingrid Bergman. I need to sort out my fantasies first.

How would you like to be remembered?
I'd like my epitaph to read "She lived, laughed and loved!"

ILN-terviews: Ioana Racoti, Zamfirescu Racoti Predoiu

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.

For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Ioana Racoti of Zamfirescu Racoti Predoiu in Romania.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
I am a business lawyer assisting a broad spectrum of clients, particularly in the corporate and financial sectors, in M&A, Banking & Finance, Energy, and Capital Markets matters. 

Who would be your typical client?
Local companies and multinationals with business interests and business activities in Romania, no matter the industry area they focus on.  We offer a full business law service and this enables us to support our clients in all areas of operation.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
ZRP always meets and exceeds a client's expectations, by delivering flawless and outstanding legal services.  We are always one move ahead and know how to play the winning game.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
Every project has its own particularities and characteristics, involves and develops different skills. Starting with approach, vision, innovation, legal work, team structure, capabilities, client relationship, set objectives all the way to how these objectives are achieved, make a project unique and challenging.

Still, there is one project I would like to share with you: the IPO listing on the London Stock Exchange of one of our clients - it was the first project of its kind on the Romanian market, involving a multidisciplinary team of over 10 lawyers. We worked with prestigious law firms and financial companies, and it was a great opportunity to share experience and knowledge.

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
The set up of my law firm in 1996, at the age of 26, in partnership with my colleague Catalin Predoiu, at present Minister of Justice in Romania.

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
Travelling around the world. And wandering through the streets of New York at least once a year.

What would surprise people most about you?
I usually deliver bluntly my ideas and opinions, my likes and dislikes. This could sometimes take other people by surprise.

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
The Annual 2007 ILN Conference in New York, where I had the chance to meet extraordinary people and outstanding professionals.

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
I would have probably been a biochemist.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
Definitely Uma Thurman.

How would you like to be remembered?
Professionally, as an outstanding lawyer. Personally, as a reliable friend and travel companion.

ILN-terviews: Andrey Zelenin, Lidings Law Firm

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.

For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Andrey Zelenin of Lidings Law Firm in Moscow, Russia.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
Protecting foriegn business in Russia.

Who would be your typical client?
Foreign legal entities (from SME's to multinationals) investing in Russia or otherwise affected by Russian legal regulations.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
That I'm easy to deal with, ready to react, and always willing to protect their interests.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
There have been some of them, and I'm sure there will be more.  One of the recent ones was representing a client in an investigation by the antimonopoly authority.  The hearings lasted for 12 hours (with a lunch break though!).  It was quite challenging to get out of the FAS building at 1AM.  But the client was happy, as all charges have been dismissed!

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
Well, again, it's difficult to pick one.  Most encouraging, I think, is when you see your team of lawyers gain expertise and succeed in very complicated cases.

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
I'm telling fairytales to my children.

What would surprise people most about you?
That I'm 27 and I have three kids: a daughter, 4.5 years old, and two sons, 3 and 1.

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
Fantastically warm and friendly welcome to the world of ILN - at every ILN meeting!  And of course, the after Gala Dinner Istanbul night club party.

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
I'd better not think about it. Do not want to disappoint myself.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
It's a tough one. I'd let my wife choose.

How would you like to be remembered?
As someone taking care of other's interests first.

ILN-terviews: Toomas Taube, Tark & Co.

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.

For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Toomas Taube of Tark & Co. in Estonia.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
As the head of the corporate & commercial practice group at Tark & Co, my work involves a broad range of corporate and commercial matters. I am also active in litigation.

Who would be your typical client?
Most of my clients are companies and a large part of them are multinational corporations that plan to have, or already have, a subsidiary or investments in Estonia. I have assisted many foreign clients from the very beginning of their business in Estonia, and in many cases, the relationships have developed into a long-term, full range cooperation.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
That I really value my clients, and I want to be of value to them. If a client is happy, I am happy.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
There have been many challenging cases during my practice. One of them was a major and complex litigation matter that has lasted for six years, and the case has been heard and reviewed in different court instances a total of nine times. I expect that this "court marathon" is close to its end soon, and the result is so far, and expected to remain, positive for my client.

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
Positive results make me feel good and proud of myself.

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
Live my private life, which includes some sports, some shorter and longer trips, some friends, some books, one girlfriend, many thoughts, lots of feelings...

What would surprise people most about you?
Other people should be the ones to say that.

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
All of the ILN events that I have participated in have been memorable for me - well-organized, nice places, and friendly people. Maybe one of the more memorable ILN experiences was my first ILN meeting (in Stockholm in 2001). I was a young lawyer and did not know any of the other participants, but I was impressed at the close friendships most participants had with each other. Such friendships are one of the real values of the ILN network.

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
I have never considered an alternative career. Probably a good sign concerning my almost 15-year career as a lawyer.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
I think my life is yet too short to make a movie of it. Let's wait at least some 25 years, then it would be easier to pick the right characters and actors to play me. Meanwhile, I will try to live so that it would be a really interesting and exciting role for that actor!

How would you like to be remembered?
As a very good friend to all my close ones, and as a good person to all who know me.

ILN-terviews: Dato'Anad Krishnan, Anad & Noraini

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.
For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Dato' Anad Krishnan of Anad & Noraini in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
A full-service firm with special emphasis on banking, insurance, and property transactions.

Who would be your typical client?
Our typical clients are institutions - mainly banking, insurance, and property developers.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
That we are efficient and continually strive to provide quality legal services at competitive prices.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
It was a case involving an ex-banker who was sued in civil proceedings in Malaysia and was involved in extradition proceedings in the United Kingdom and criminal proceedings in Hong Kong.  Being involved in this multi-jurisdictional case was most challenging as it involved Appeals to the House of Lords in the UK, the Court of Appeal in Hong Kong and the Supreme Court in Malaysia.

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
Advising our client to do a particular deal against the advice of a Queen's Counsel and 7 other lawyers and subsequently discovering that when the client took the deal, the outcome was in his best interest.

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
Playing golf, traveling, and developing my business interests in commodity trading.

What would surprise people most about you?
The extent of my general knowledge, with particular emphasis on financial markets and a very practical approach to the practice of law.

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
Meeting different people from different countries and cultivating strong personal relationships with a number of them.

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
I would have been very happy as an investment banker, particularly involved in commodity trading.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
Ben Kingsley.

How would you like to be remembered?
A very successful person, who is also kind, considerate and generous.

ILN-terviews: Can Natan, Ozcan & Natan

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.

For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Can Natan of Ozcan & Natan in Istanbul, Turkey.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
Mainly working on corporate commercial matters.

Who would be your typical client?
Medium-sized and large foreign invested corporations.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
That we are a team of legal consultants with a strong, solid background to "make things happen."

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
I think it's impossible to pick one.  Each case/transaction is more challenging than the previous one.

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
When we set up Ozcan & Natan Law Firm with my partner.

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
I enjoy traveling, reading, watching any kind of sports, playing football and going to the movies.

What would surprise people most about you?
I guess nothing!

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
My first ILN meeting in Paris that I attended as a guest.  I was amazed by the warm welcome of the members and by the friendly atmosphere of the meeting.

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
I'd loved to be a football manager.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
I think it's too early to think about that.

How would you like to be remembered?
As a good lawyer.

ILN-terviews: Anita Lovell, Nigel Harris & Partners

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.

For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Anita Lovell of Nigel Harris & Partners in the Channel Islands.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
I'm a private client lawyer, in private practice, running a full service Family Office staffed by solicitors, accountants and investment advisers supporting members of a HNW family at a personal level and advising their international companies in complex, cross border transactions.

Who would be your typical client?
A high net worth family, probably based in Europe or the Middle East, but with business interests just about anywhere, looking to preserve and enhance the family wealth.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
That my legal firm is embedded in the largest, independent trust company in the Channel Islands (Hawksford International) and is uniquely placed, outside the UK but within a well-regulated and sophisticated jurisdiction, to suit the demands of international families.  And I bet not many would know that Jersey has signed an exchange of information agreement with the USA (and lots of other countries too) and is firmly on the OECD "white list." 

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
My most challenging case was defending the legitimacy and governance of a very big family trust against a disappointed widow who claimed it was a "sham."  We won the day, she settled and remained disappointed!

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
Representing all the English Solicitors practicing in Jersey as President of our Association.

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
You need to ask a woman what she does with her time when she's not at work?  Running my home and my family takes up most of it!  But as I am trying to work part time now, I can indulge my love of travel and taste for good food and wine.  They say the former broadens the mind, but, sadly, the latter does the same for the waistline.

What would surprise people most about you?
Probably that my office has a lovely garden with rabbits, squirrels and pheasants running around it.

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
That's a tough question because all the ILN meetings have been memorable - Christopher and I have seen some amazing places and met some brilliant people.  If I have to choose...it would be taking a (slightly shaky) helicopter ride around the Iguacu Falls in Brazil with Robert and Adrienne Bijloos.  I still can't quite believe I did that.

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
Well, a lady of leisure sounds good.  Failing that, I would have liked to be a garden designer.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
Someone terribly glamourous please! But with a talent for comedy too - a young Kathryn Hepburn would have been wonderful.

How would you like to be remembered?
Preferably as the world's oldest woman.

ILN-terviews: Sueli Avellar Fonseca, Nehring e Associados, Advocacia

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.


For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Sueli Avellar Fonseca of Nehring e Associados, Advocacia in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
Presently, I work basically on Commercial Agreements, National and International Agreements. In the past, I was essentially a litigator and then worked on Corporate matters.

Who would be your typical client?
Companies are my typical clients.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
I would like clients to know that I have very good experience in litigation, which makes me a strong negotiator. Moreover, I have a great deal of experience in wording various kinds of agreements and it is easy for me to build relationships.  I am a perfectionist at what I do.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
I cannot say one case is more challenging than others. The challenge is always to achieve the objectives of the client.

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
 I have had many good moments in my career, which make me proud, but one I remember most was when I was a very young litigator and during a hearing, a Judge stopped and asked me how long ago I had graduated.  He complimented me in front of the lawyers of the other party, for the questions argued to more than 5 or 6 witnesses.

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
 I love to read, to go to the movies, to listen to music, to travel.

What would surprise people most about you?
It is very difficult for me to surprise people. I easily show who I am, what I like or dislike.

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
ILN brings me many friends, all around the world.  This is fantastic.  But the most memorable is that some friends have become a family!

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
I would be a lawyer! As a secondary career, if I had time, Decoration could be a choice.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
Meryl Streep.

How would you like to be remembered?
Someone who was able to achieve her teenager's dreams for life, with her own work and studies; a good professional; a good daughter; a special mother and a good companion.

ILN-terviews: Gustavo de Jesus, Richards, Cardinal, Tutzer, Zabala & Zaefferer

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.

For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Gustavo de Jesus of Richards, Cardinal, Tutzer, Zabala & Zaefferer in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
Mainly assisting clients in their day-to-day operations in commercial matters (corporate, contracts, etc.) and working on mergers & acquisitions of companies.

Who would be your typical client?
Big and mid-size multinational companies.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
That I always do my best to render first class service at a reasonable price.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
There have been many challenging cases. It is difficult to pick one.

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
I always feel proud when I see that the client's interests have been protected and when the client recognizes my work.

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
Playing sports and spending time with my family.

What would surprise people most about you?
Perhaps that I am not as serious as I look.

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
I could not pick one isolated experience.  I have always enjoyed the friendship and warm treatment that I receive at all the ILN meetings.

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
I would have probably chosen architecture.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
I really cannot imagine somebody playing my life in a movie!! But if I have to say a name, I would pick Robert De Niro.

How would you like to be remembered?
As a good husband and father and basically as a good man.

ILN-terviews: Jeff Shapiro, Arnstein & Lehr LLP

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.

For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Jeff Shapiro of Arnstein & Lehr in Miami, Florida.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
Multifaceted, with court litigation and arbitration involving diverse areas encompassing commercial disputes, IP and product liability with a focus on medical device and drugs.

Who would be your typical client?
Largely institutional, ranging in size from local companies to Fortune 100.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
The pursuit of excellence, responsiveness, with a mindset to think outside of the box in conjunction with the control of litigation expenses.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
Impossible to pick one.

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
There have been many, but if I had to choose one, it would have been a product liability case that was tried, and after my cross examination of the opposing expert was completed, the other side essentially "gave up." Why? Because it happens too rarely.

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
Family time and sports.

What would surprise people most about you?
That I'm not nearly as "conservative" as I sometimes seem, including a long history of playing the drums in a rock 'n roll band.

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
The ongoing interaction with friends and colleagues from the ILN is what sets it apart.

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
Educator, sports coach.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
Meryl Streep, she can play any role.  If not her, Clark Gable.

How would you like to be remembered?
Loving husband and father.

ILN-terviews: Johan Vanden Eynde, Vanden Eynde - Legal

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.
For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Johan Vanden Eynde of Vanden Eynde - Legal in Brussels, Belgium

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
That we are a group of lawyers who are proud to assist you when we take your case.

Who would be your typical client?
Essentially, we are acting for private (SME and larger companies) and public (ministries and public commercial companies) clients in the fields of business litigation and consultancy.  We also act for clients in administrative law, such as urban planning, public procurement and competition law. 

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
That we take interest and care in their cases and that we will stand with them through difficulties.  Also, that their case is our challenge. 

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
Some years ago, we assisted a company in a very difficult situation with several procedures before the civil and administrative courts.  There were very important contestations in several fields of law.  Financially, it was a huge business contract for the client.  The firm stood with them during all of the processes, losing four cases in the first instance, but winning on appeal.  You can feel the trust that you build up and the tenacity needed in this profession. 

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
Certainly when I won my first case before the Commission of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
Taking care of my family, trying to fish, reading the philosophers and writing articles and books about law!

What would surprise people most about you?
I don't know. Probably a lot of things of the common life, like cooking or doing sport.

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
The repeated warm welcome at each meeting. 

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
Astronomer.
If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
Somebody like Cary Grant.

How would you like to be remembered?
Will there be a remembering?

ILN-terviews: Bruce Feuchter, Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.

For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Bruce Feuchter of Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth in Newport Beach, California.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
A flourishing emerging growth corporate securities practice, consisting of start-up to public companies, both medical device and technology companies.

Who would be your typical client?
Venture Capital-backed medical device companies with exciting technologies.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
I know their market, I understand their needs, and how to solve their problems.  I enjoy working with entrepreneurs.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
The most challenging transaction that I have ever been the lead attorney for was the acquisition of an aerospace company back in 1991.  The company was into many defense programs, some of which were highly classified. Since they were classified, we could do no due diligence on those programs or even know about them.  An example of such a program was the exhaust system for the Stealth Fighter. The transaction required a layer of venture capital for equity, and three different levels of debt with four different lenders.  It was undertaken during the time of the great downsizing of the aerospace industry in Southern California.  Eleven years later, the business was sold, again a difficult transaction.  The result for the owners was a good return, not a great return. 

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
On January 1, 1985, I became a shareholder in my law firm and on January 21, 1985, I became a father for the first time. What a change in life that time was.

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
I am only now learning golf, the children are now gone.  I ski a little each year, and I seem to go to a great number of charitable events.

What would surprise people most about you?
That after 30 years in Southern California, my passion is still skiing, not surfing.  I do not do it often, but a little snow cat skiing or a little helicopter skiing can make my year.

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
I travel and visit members of the ILN in different places in the world; getting to know them fills me with wonder, finding how similar we are and how much we think alike on a number of topics.

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
A CEO of an energy efficiency company or an alternate energy company.
If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
No idea today. Thirty years ago, I would have said Robert Redford and recently, I would have said Harrison Ford.

How would you like to be remembered?
As a person who was interested in so many different things. I like to think of myself as an interested and trusted advisor to many entrepreneurs.

ILN-terviews: Santiago Mejia Ortiz, Mejia-Armenteros & Abreu

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.

For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Santiago Mejia Ortiz of Mejia-Armenteros & Abreu in the Dominican Republic.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
As a small "family comprised" law firm trying to position itself internationally without losing the small firm approach.

Who would be your typical client?
Individuals and medium sized companies doing business in the Dominican Republic, although we've served big companies as well.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
That despite being a young lawyer in a young firm, clients can be sure they'll be getting top class legal services from me and my firm.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
I think it was representing a big client in a substantial concession contract with a multinational company in a cross border transaction, because I was the counterpart for very experienced and well-known old lawyers, looking down to me because I was younger than all of them.  It was challenging and rewarding at the same time.

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
Every time I make my client feel satisfied with the result of my work.

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
Mostly, I love spending time with my family and especially with my soon-to-be 5 year old son.  Also, I am an Amateur Radio Operator as well.  Ah, I've opened a coffee shop business too!

What would surprise people most about you?
That although I can seem shy sometimes, I tend to have a great sense of humor...(everyone reading this must be thinking "What?! Really?? Wouldn't think so!").

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
Without any doubt, my first meeting in the Bahamas presenting our firm!  And the immediate acceptance and friendship I've received from everybody, making me feel welcome right away. Regional and Annual Meetings are such a great experience - in each of them I've been given the chance to know great people and really initiate friendships that hopefully will remain. 

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
Maybe an entrepreneur or an industrial engineer.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
If it was my call...Al Pacino. But probably the casting crew will pick Jim Carrey.

How would you like to be remembered?
By everybody: as an honest man with a good heart and a good sense of humor. By my family: as a worthy role model.

ILN-terviews: Scott Guan, Jade & Fountain PRC Lawyers

Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.

For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Scott Guan of Jade & Fountain PRC Lawyers in Shanghai.

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
An international practice with a focus on cross-border business transactions.

Who would be your typical client?
International companies and entrepreneurs doing business in China and/or with Chinese partners, and Chinese companies and entrepreneurs doing business outside of China and/or with foreign partners.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
That I am a devoted transactional lawyer, who is a bi-lingual, bi-legal, and bi-cultural deal maker.

What has been your most challenging case? Why?
To assist foreign clients in understanding and navigating through the legal system and business environment in China.  The fundamentals of business transactions are all similar in different places around the world, but the ways that they are presented and understood can be very different.  A truly effective and efficient legal advisor must be able to thoroughly understand the needs and challenges of their clients and act not only as their legal advisor, but also as their business partner and cultural consultant. 

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
When a deal is closed and a sustainable win-win situation is created.

What do you do when you're not practicing law?
Playing soccer with friends and now with my 5-year-old son as well.

What would surprise people most about you?
My personal experience of growing up with China in a rather dramatic way...China has changed so rapidly over the past 30 years and so have been our lives.  When I was in high school 20 years ago, I was on a boarding program.  All my expenses at the time paid by my parents were RMB70 (US$11 approximately) per month. Now, an ILN conference can easily cost much more for just 3 or 4 days.

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
Visiting ILN member firms and making friends around the world.

What career would you have chosen if you weren't a lawyer?
Part-time professor & freelance literature translator & part-time government think-tank consultant.

If a movie were made out of your life, who would you want to play you?
This person has not been born or made known to me yet.

How would you like to be remembered?
A proud Chinese, where the East meets the West.